I'm a student at Mountain Vista High School. Recently, I have become very engaged with the race for Douglas County commissioner. While I can't yet vote, I understand that commissioners are responsible for the public's health, safety, and welfare — pillars that I find are very important to maintaining an outstanding community.

Given the circumstances of the pandemic, it is crucial to have a leader that will make decisions based on facts, not politics. This is one of many reasons why I choose to support Darien Wilson for DCC. I was incredibly concerned to hear that Lora Thomas, Darien's opponent and current incumbent, withdrew us from the Tri-County Health agreement. Darien knows this is irresponsible and economically wasteful.

Moreover, Thomas has not once supported a mask mandate and has even promoted pseudoscience in regards to mask-wearing using her platform, saying on June 21 in a Twitter post that “Face masks pose serious risks to the healthy.” Darien understands that listening to the words of health professionals is pivotal to sustaining the community's physical and economic health, and thus strives to set an example by following simple guidelines, such as wearing a mask.

In November, I hope to see an elected leader who is representative of the community and who will make choices based on the apparent needs of the people. As a student, it's clear to me that decisions made concerning my well-being should not be politically motivated, and I firmly believe that Darien Wilson shares those values.

Taylor Witte

Highlands Ranch